Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

This is PAD in the chest, neck, shoulders and head that occurs due to obstruction or pinching of blood vessels or nerves in the neck and shoulder area. It can be caused by injury, the presence of extra ribs, and buildup of too much muscle in the neck or chest. It is more common in young and middle aged patients, and in women. Symptoms vary greatly depending on location, including sharp pain in the shoulder, back and neck, and particularly in the arm or hand: dull aching pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, poor pulse, coolness, pale or blue skin, poor coordination, and swelling in one arm. It is often treated with non-invasive methods, but sometimes needs to be remedied with surgery.